In: Biology
Create a chart that compares the following methods of DNA extraction: Phenol-Chloroform, Chelex, silica-based, and differential. Include a very short descriptions of each, advantages and disadvantages, and special instances where they may be used.
The various differences, advantages, disadvantages and usability of DNA-extraction methods can be as discussed below:
Method | Description | Advantage | Disadvantage | Usability |
Phenol-chloroform | Based upon differential solubility of different bio-molecules in liquid-liquid interphase | Easy to perform, quick and does not require expensive chemicals | Low yields, DNA degradation is subjected to handling errors, cross-contamination with RNA, Proteins | Commonly used in research labs for massive extraction |
Chelex | Based upon chelation of bio-molecule on a solid-liquid interface containing chelating agent in ion-exchange chromatography module | Cheap, easy and quick. | Required expertise in handling and monitoring quality and quantityt of elute, high susceptibility of chelex to DNases | Used in labs and colleges frequently |
Silica-based | Based upon separation of DNA from the sample from a solid-liquid interface by capturing DNA in silica gels by micro-absorption | High quality DNA with purity and integrity is obtained. User friendly interface can be created by binding these micropore silica on chips | Silica gel columns cost revenue to the researchers | Very high purity of DNA from a variety of samples can be obtained |
Differential | Isolation of DNA from different samples is performed by differential lysis procedures | DNA from different samples can be simultaneously extracted without inter-mixing | Expert handling and observational efficiency are explicitly required | DNA can be isolated from different sources by expertise in multiplexing the protocols |